Phuket borders Phangnga Bay to the north at the
490 meters wide Pak Phra Channel, joined to the mainland by the 660 meters Sarasin Bridge
linking Chatchai landing of Phuket and Tha Nun Landing of Phangnga.
Thai Dancers, Bangkok,
Thailand
Photo Copyright © LukeTravels.com™
To the south and west lies the Andaman Sea, and
the Krabi Sea to the east. It is administratively divided into three Amphoes: Muang,
Thalang and Krathu. The main occupation of the population is rubber plant cultivation
while the rest are engaged in the cultivations of coconuts, fruits and fishing.
Phuket Weather and Climate
Staying on the island is easy,
as there are only two seasons in a year - the rainy season (May to
October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of phuket
is between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best
period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to
see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the
crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average
temperatures ranges between 23°C and 33°C.
|
Phuket's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with
mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining thirty percent
being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The
island does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and
creeks.
Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely Amphoe Muang,
Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu. |
|
 |
Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural
heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites.
Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the
city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors
from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from
world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the
different needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to
sample than just Phuket's famous lobster. Altogether, these
characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.¹
History of Phuket
Most geologists believe that the
area known as Phuket today was once a cape that extended into the Andaman
Sea. Geographical formations gradually changed the capes location, finally
detaching it from the mainland.
A famous Greek philosopher, Claudius Ptolemy, was the first person who
mentioned the cape in his book written in the year 157. The cape was
locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, which was located between latitudes 6
N and 8 N (the present site of Phuket Island). Natives called the place
Cha Lang, which evolved to Tha Lang the name of the main town to the north
of the island.
As a perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon
welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and also Siam.
During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for
tin with Portuguese, Dutch, English and French traders flocking to the
island. This contributed to making the development of mining so
unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and
soon enjoyed thriving business wealth.
Apart from serving as a meeting point for traders from Europe, Central
Asia and China, Phuket also attracted ambitious immigrants, especially
those from Portugal and China, to work in the tin mines. With its colorful
history, visitors admire the Sino-Portuguese style architecture in the
city especially those buildings located along the Thalang and Yaowarat
Roads.
Thalang town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area
in 1785. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of the governor,
and her sister, Muk, who united local residents and successfully fought
and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the
defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim
their victory. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted
to Chan and Muk as Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon respectively.
To honor them, a monument was established at Tha Ruea Intersection, 12
kilometers to the north of Phuket City in 1966. They are still highly
respected by Phuket residents even today.
However, 24 years later, the Burmese succeeded in seizing Thalang causing
many local residents to flee to Phang-nga and Krabi. In 1825, some of them
returned to re-establish a town and established a rice farming community.
On the other hand, the area to the south of the island (Phuket City today)
was developed and became a tin trading center.
When Phuket was elevated to a town in 1850, it attracted more immigrants
from Thalang and nearby communities. In 1894, Phuket was promoted to be a
Monthon administrative unit under the supervision of the central
administrative body (located in Bangkok).
In 1902, Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, a Sino-Thai businessman who contributed
to developing the modern city of Phuket was appointed Governor of Phuket.
He also helped to improve the welfare of local residents and set up the
market system in the countryside. In 1916, Phuket became a province.
The tin mining industry has gradually failed to generate economic growth
in Phuket, especially after 1985 when the price of tin fell by half.
However, with its natural resources, Phuket later emerged as a tourist
destination with great potential. This polished pearl of the Andaman is
truly a destination that provides visitors with memorable experiences.
The islands long history has shaped the distinctive Phuket of the present
with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine
cuisine. With approximately 35 percent of the population being comprised
of Thai-Muslims, it is possible to see an equal number of Wats (Thai
temples) located next to Mosques.¹
Phang Nga Bay, Phuket, Thailand
Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Similian Island near Phuket, Thailand
Phang Nga Bay, near Phuket, Thailand
How to Get to Phuket: By Air
from Within Thailand
This is perhaps the easiest way to get to Phuket. Domestic airlines
operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Phuket. Some flights go
to Phuket via Samui Island with a 40-minute stopover. List of operators
are as follows:
|
Phuket Air offers daily flights to Phuket and the journey takes only 1:20
hours.
Bangkok Airways has daily flights connecting Phuket with Pattaya and Samui.
Thai Airways International has
numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Phuket route. In addition,
they have regular flights connecting Phuket with Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and
Narathiwat Provinces.
|
|
|
One-to-Go by Orient Thai
operates a daily flight between Bangkok and Phuket. The flight time is
1.20 hours.
Air Asia also offers several daily flights connecting Bangkok and Phuket.
The flight time is 1.20 hours.
Nok Air has several daily
flights between Bangkok and Phuket with a flight time of 1.20 hours.
Destination Air provides first class seaplane transfers to and from Phuket
International Airport to resorts and hotels located in the Andaman sea.
Popular destinations are such as Ko Phi Phi, Krabi, Ko Lanta.
How to Get to Phuket: By Air from Abroad
There are several direct flights between Phuket and international
destinations, e.g. Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Penang, Singapore, and Sydney.
Dragon Air, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Airand Singapore Airlines also operate
international flights connecting Phuket with other destinations. Please
call airline offices for more details.
How to Get to Phuket: Transportation from/to Phuket Airport
Phuket International Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers north
of the city, tel. 076 327230. Taxis between Phuket City and the airport
costs approximately 400 baht but the fare to the beach ranges between 500
baht and 600 baht (rate varies). Minivans charge approximately 80 baht
/person to town, but 120 baht/person to Patong, Kata and Karon Beaches.
Phuket Limousine (tel. 076 248596), located approximately 1 kilometer west
of the city, operates hourly shuttles to the airport from 6.30 a.m. to
7.30 p.m.
How to Get to Phuket: By Bus
Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus
Terminal for Phuket several times daily. Trips by air-conditioned bus,
which normally leaves in the evening, take about 13 hours. Call 0 2434
7192, 0 2435 1199 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information.
How to Get to Phuket: By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No.4
(Phetchakasem Road) through Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon,
Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, then cross the Thep Krasattri Bridge
or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. The total distance is 862 kilometers
and the travel time is approximately 12 hours.
¹
Festivals in Phuket
Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat
Floating Festival
Chao Le Boat Floating Festival falls during the middle of the sixth and
eleventh lunar months yearly. The sea gypsy villages at Rawai and Sapam
hold their ceremonies on the 13th; Ko Si-re celebrates on the 14th; and
Laem La (east of the bridge on Phuket's northern tip) on the 15th.
Ceremonies, which centre around the setting adrift of small boats similar
to the Thai festival of Loi Krathong, are held at night and their purpose
is to drive away evil and bring good luck.
Laguna Phuket Triathlon
Laguna Phuket Triathlon is held in each December. The triathlon (a
1,000-metre swim, a 5-kilometre bike race and a 12-kilometre run) attracts
world-class athletes from all over the world.
Phuket King s Cup Regatta
Phuket King s Cup Regatta is held in December. The Phuket Yacht Club hosts
international yachtsmen, largely from neighboring countries who compete in
the Nai Han Beach area for royal trophies.
Phuket Travel Fair
Phuket Travel Fair , held on November 1, was first initiated in 1985 at
Patong to welcome in the tourist season and designed to foster
co-operation among tourism-related operators both in the private and
public sectors. Many colorful and interesting activities are organized,
such as merit-making in the morning, water sports contests, a Miss Visitor
Contest, among others.
Seafood Festival
Seafood Festival, held around May yearly, is designed to publicize the
delicious seafood of Phuket and attract visitors during the rainy season.
Activities include a Marine Tourism Resources Parade, seafood stalls,
demonstrations of regional cuisines and cultural shows.
Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sisunthon Fair
Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sisunthon Fair is held on March 13 every year
to commemorate the two great heroines who rallied the Thalang people to
repel Burmese invaders. Many activities and celebrations are organised.
Tourist Season Opening Festival
Tourist Season Opening Festival , starting from November 1, is usually
called the Patong Carnival, from the place where celebrations occur.
Colorful parades, sports events, and a beauty competition for foreign
tourists are major activities.
Turtle Release Fair
Turtle Release Fair is held on Songkran, the nationwide Thai water
festival, on April 13 which is also National Fisherman's Day. Baby turtles
are released into the sea at various locations.
Vegetarian Festival
Vegetarian Festival is held on the first day of the 9th lunar month
(usually October). Phuket islanders of Chinese ancestry commit themselves
to a 9-day vegetarian diet, a form of purification believed to help make
the forthcoming year trouble-free. The festival is marked by several
ascetic displays, including fire-walking and ascending sharp-bladed
ladders.
*1: Copyright
© Tourism Authority of
Thailand
Phuket, a large island in the Indian Ocean, is 862 km
from Bangkok. Phuket is the only island having provincial status, and was a regional
headquarters as well, with a rich and colorful history. Known as the Pearl of Thailand,
Phuket derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which
in Phuket dates back over 500 years. Phuket is Thailand's largest tin producer. The waters
contain a lot colorful marine life, and the town is notable for its old European style
architecture.
